Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Whistler has a population of around 13,982 people. The township's population is in increased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Whistler has increased by ▲ 19.04%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 11,746 | 13,982 | +19.04% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.55% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Whistler's population is projected to reach approximately 16,644 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 69.35 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 13,982 | 16,644 | 69.35 |
This projection is an estimate calculated by CAPopulation from the compound annual growth rate between the 2016 and 2021 censuses. Official 2026 complete census data expected to be released in late 2027.
Whistler Population Trend & Context
Whistler had a 2021 census population of 13,982 — an increase of 2,236 (▲ 19.04%) people from the 11,746 recorded in 2016.
The township's population has grown steadily over this period, reflecting broader growth trends among British Columbia townships. The township's median age of 35.6 years — below the national median of 41.9 — suggests a younger, potentially growing population.
Population By Genders
The male population of Whistler is around 7,510 while the female population is around 6,470.
Of the 13,982 total population in Whistler, the largest gender is male with around 7,510 male within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 7,510 | 6,470 | +13.85% |
Is Whistler a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Whistler compares across key quality-of-life indicators — measured against British Columbia, its own province. Draw your own conclusions from the actual numbers.
Employment & Economy
Income & Affordability
Commute
Housing Character
Household Composition
Source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population.
Whistler Population Compared to British Columbia
British Columbia's population in 2021 was 5,000,879, spread across the area. Here's how Whistler compares to the township's key indicators:
| Indicator | Whistler | British Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $99,000 | $85,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 17.5% | 8.4% |
| Median age | 35.6 | 42.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 39.5% | 31.8% |
| Immigrants (%) | 24.7% | 29.0% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Whistler has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 25 to 29 years old, accounting for 12.40% of the total population. The township median age is 35.60.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 to 29 years | 930 12.40% | 810 12.50% | 12.90% | 1,740 12.40% |
| 30 to 34 years | 930 12.40% | 765 11.80% | 17.74% | 1,695 12.10% |
| 35 to 39 years | 785 10.50% | 625 9.70% | 20.38% | 1,410 10.10% |
| 20 to 24 years | 565 7.50% | 560 8.70% | 0.88% | 1,125 8.00% |
| 40 to 44 years | 585 7.80% | 505 7.80% | 13.68% | 1,095 7.80% |
| 45 to 49 years | 500 6.70% | 465 7.20% | 7.00% | 960 6.90% |
| 50 to 54 years | 500 6.70% | 465 7.20% | 7.00% | 960 6.90% |
| 55 to 59 years | 430 5.70% | 395 6.10% | 8.14% | 825 5.90% |
| 60 to 64 years | 385 5.10% | 315 4.90% | 18.18% | 700 5.00% |
| 15 to 19 years | 355 4.70% | 285 4.40% | 19.72% | 640 4.60% |
| 10 to 14 years | 310 4.10% | 270 4.20% | 12.90% | 585 4.20% |
| 5 to 9 years | 260 3.50% | 270 4.20% | 3.70% | 530 3.80% |
| 65 to 69 years | 305 4.10% | 230 3.60% | 24.59% | 530 3.80% |
| 0 to 4 years | 245 3.30% | 200 3.10% | 18.37% | 445 3.20% |
| 70 to 74 years | 230 3.10% | 185 2.90% | 19.57% | 410 2.90% |
| 75 to 79 years | 130 1.70% | 80 1.20% | 38.46% | 205 1.50% |
Broader Age Groups
If the township's population is divided into broader age groups, most of the population falls into the 15 to 64 years age group. The group accounts for 79.80% of the population. The other age groups, 0 to 14 years and 65 years and over, account for 11.10% and 9.00%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Whistler are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 79.50% | 80.20% | 79.80% |
| 0 to 14 years | 10.90% | 11.50% | 11.10% |
| 65 years and over | 9.70% | 8.30% | 9.00% |
Population of Whistler by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Whistler is quite diverse, which contributes to the township's vibrant cultural landscape. Whistler is inclusive and accepts various ethnic groups with open arms. Furthermore, the township appreciates the unique contributions that each ethnicity brings.
The top 5 ethnicities and origins in Whistler are English, which accounts for 27.34% of the total population, followed by Scottish (19.66%), Irish (17.69%), Canadian (12.03%), and German (8.23%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Whistler include French, British Isles, Australian, Caucasian (White), and Italian.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 26.80% | 27.92% | 27.34% |
| Scottish | 20.08% | 19.17% | 19.66% |
| Irish | 17.28% | 18.14% | 17.69% |
| Canadian | 12.88% | 11.06% | 12.03% |
| German | 7.00% | 9.71% | 8.23% |
| French | 7.49% | 8.35% | 7.90% |
| British Isles | 7.07% | 6.44% | 6.78% |
| Australian | 5.88% | 5.41% | 5.66% |
| Caucasian (White) | 4.76% | 3.58% | 4.25% |
| Italian | 4.27% | 4.06% | 4.13% |
Indigenous Identity in Whistler
About 1.08% of Whistler's population (145 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 98.92% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 40 people (0.30% of the total population) hold Registered or Treaty Indian status.
Immigration Profile
Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of Whistler's population profile.
About 24.7% of Whistler's population are immigrants (3,320 people).
The top countries of origin for Whistler's immigrant population are United Kingdom (840), Philippines (445), United States of America (200), Germany (80), France (55).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 840 |
| Philippines | 445 |
| United States of America | 200 |
| Germany | 80 |
| France | 55 |
77.7% of Whistler's residents (10,435 people) are Canadian citizens, and 22.3% are not.
By generation status, 37.3% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 17.6% are second generation, and 45.1% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 1,970 of Whistler's population live in a 2 persons. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 17.60% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 14.50% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 7.80%, 6.40%, and 3.70%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 1,970 | 17.60% |
| 1 person | 1,620 | 14.50% |
| 3 persons | 875 | 7.80% |
| 4 persons | 715 | 6.40% |
| 5 or more persons | 415 | 3.70% |
Family and Household Structure in Whistler
Of census families in Whistler, 91.4% are couple families and 8.6% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.6 people.
29.0% of households in Whistler are one-person households, 44.7% are couple-family households, 4.1% are one-parent-family households, and 0.4% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 1,625 | 29.0% |
| Couple-family households | 2,505 | 44.7% |
| One-parent-family households | 230 | 4.1% |
| Multigenerational households | 25 | 0.4% |
Income in Whistler
Analyzing income distribution in Whistler can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Whistler is $44,800.
A region's per capita data sheds light on the average income earned per person living in it. Since per capita income is calculated by dividing the region's total income by its population, it quantifies the population's economic situation on an individual basis.
Such data offers insights into the township's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of Whistler population or around 2,865 people falls in the $10,000 to $29,999 group. The next largest groups are the $30,000 to $49,999, and $50,000 to $79,999 with around 2,235 and 1,800 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Whistler's median household income is $99,000, according to 2020 data.
Above national average Whistler's median household income is 15,000 dollars above the Canadian national median of $84,000 (2020 data, 2021 Census).
The data provides important insights into the township's economic landscape as well as the living standards of its population.
Analyzing such data enables researchers, policymakers, and businesses to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the township's income distribution, disparities, and trends.
Education Levels in Whistler
This data sheds light on the distribution of Whistler residents across educational milestones.
Such information is crucial in shaping the province’s policies on education, workforce development strategies, and initiatives that aim to improve access to quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities.
73.20% or most of the Whistler population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 25.10% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 1.60% has a No certificate, diploma or degree. (Individual figures may not sum to exactly 100% due to Statistics Canada's random rounding of small-area 25% sample data.)
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 3,190 | 3,430 | 6,620 | 73.20% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 1,430 | 840 | 2,270 | 25.10% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 100 | 45 | 145 | 1.60% |
Above national average 41.2% of Whistler's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Whistler
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Whistler. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Whistler is at 17.45% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 66.85% |
| Unemployment rate | 17.45% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Whistler, 30.2% worked full year full time in the reference year, 49.7% worked part year and/or part time, and 20.1% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 3,585 | 30.2% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 5,910 | 49.7% |
| Did not work | 2,390 | 20.1% |
Working as an Employee
The table shows the data on the total number of individuals in the township who work as an employee. The majority of Whistler's population (around 60.60%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the township, there are 1,160 men and 910 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 2,065.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 1,160 | 910 | 2,065 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Whistler industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Whistler is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Whistler has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (28%) works in the accommodation and food services sector. The Construction sector comes second at 10%, followed by Retail trade at 9%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation and food services | 1,470 | 1,185 | 28% |
| Construction | 890 | 100 | 10% |
| Retail trade | 455 | 425 | 9% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 435 | 375 | 9% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 345 | 305 | 7% |
| Health care and social assistance | 60 | 485 | 6% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 265 | 240 | 5% |
| Public administration | 205 | 200 | 4% |
| Educational services | 125 | 270 | 4% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 120 | 235 | 4% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 145 | 185 | 4% |
| Manufacturing | 105 | 125 | 2% |
| Finance and insurance | 145 | 80 | 2% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 135 | 30 | 2% |
| Wholesale trade | 100 | 40 | 2% |
| Information and cultural industries | 60 | 60 | 1% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 30 | 30 | 1% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 45 | 0 | 1% |
| Utilities | 10 | 0 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 10 | 10 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Whistler residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Whistler: Accommodation and food services (28%), Construction (10%), Retail trade (9%)
Top occupation categories in Whistler: Sales and service occupations (41%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (16%), Business, finance and administration occupations (15%)
Places of Work
The data offers insights into the commuting patterns as well as workplace distribution in the township. It provides a snapshot of workplaces, showing their geographic distribution and the flow of workers across different areas.
| Work Location | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Usual place of work | 2,320 | 2,200 | 4,520 | 56.90% |
| Worked at home | 840 | 960 | 1,795 | 22.60% |
| No fixed workplace address | 1,105 | 490 | 1,590 | 20.00% |
| Worked outside Canada | 10 | 30 | 35 | 0.40% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Whistler residents travel to school or work. It highlights the frequency of different modes of transportation like walking, cycling, carpooling, and public transit.
The data is pivotal in the making of transportation policies as well as the development of transit systems. Ultimately commuting data contributes to improving the quality of life of Whistler residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Whistler spend traveling to their workplaces. It also sheds light on the efficiency of the township's public transit systems, and road networks, as well as the accessibility of the township.
| Duration | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Less than 15 minutes | 56.50% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 31.10% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 6.70% |
| 60 minutes and over | 3.30% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 2.50% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Whistler shed light on its societal dynamics. It captures the diverse types of marital statuses of the population.
Long-term commitments, such as common-law partnerships, civil unions, and marriages, reflect the township's social fabric. We can gain insights into Whistler's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.
Language Spoken
The data below highlights township's linguistic diversity, showing elegances of solo language as well as bilingual harmonies. Other than language, it also shows the cultural landscape in Canada.
English is the most spoken official language in Whistler. About 13,245 people living in the township speak English, 615 people speak French, 65 people speak Neither English nor French language, and 60 people speak English and French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 13,245 |
| French | 615 |
| Neither English nor French | 65 |
| English and French | 60 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 15.8% of Whistler's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 83.6% know English only, 0.1% know French only, and 0.5% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 11,690 | 83.6% |
| French only | 10 | 0.1% |
| English and French | 2,215 | 15.8% |
| Neither English nor French | 65 | 0.5% |
Mother Tongue & Home Language
Useful for newcomers researching an area: this shows the language residents first learned at home in childhood (mother tongue) and the language they speak most often at home now, which can differ as families settle in.
| Language | Mother Tongue | Spoken Most Often at Home |
|---|---|---|
| English | 79.3% | 90.3% |
| Non-official languages | 14.0% | 6.1% |
| French | 4.4% | 1.6% |
Religion
Whistler is predominantly Christian. About 3,280 of its population is Christian (1,710 males and 1,570 females).
The second largest religion in the township is Jewish with 1.1% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Buddhist and Muslim, both represent 0.6% and 0.4% of the population, while Hindu represent 0.0% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 24.4% |
| Jewish | 1.1% |
| Buddhist | 0.6% |
| Islam | 0.4% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Whistler
Schools
Parks
- Wayside Park
- Alpha Lake Park
- Lakeside Park
- Rainbow Park
- Myrtle Philip Recreation Ground
- Florence Peterson Park
- Alexander Falls Recreation Site
- Cal-cheak Recreation Site
- Millar's Pond Park
- Village Park West
- Village Park
- Village Park
- Spruce Park
- Snowflake Park
- Rebagliati Park
- White Gold Park
- Inukshuk Park
- Boulder Park
- Balsam Park
- Bottomless Pond Park
- Eva Lake Park
- Taluswood Park
- Marmot Park
- Bayly Park
- Alpenglow Park
- Emerald Park
- Green Lake Launch
- Green Lake Park
- Peace Park
- Wedgemount Trail Head Parking Recreation Site
- Kadenwood Park
Libraries
Places to Visit in Whistler
Museums
Attractions
- Olympic Rings
- Whistler Olympic Park
- Whistler Bungee
- Rainbow Lodge historic cabins
- Whistler Olympic Plaza
- Paralympic Agitos
- Train wreck
- Wedge rafting
- Train Wreck
- Cheakamus River Suspension Bridge
- Olympic Torch
- Abandoned Campsite
- Vallea Lumina
Historic Sites
- Station de Montagne Olympiques et Paralympues 2010
- Olympiques et Paralympiques 2010
- Nodar Memorial
- Northair Mine
Theatres
Green Spaces in Whistler
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Wayside Park | Parks | 1.1 ha |
| Alpha Lake Park | Parks | 2.5 ha |
| Lakeside Park | Parks | 1.2 ha |
| Rainbow Park | Parks | 4.6 ha |
| Myrtle Philip Recreation Ground | Parks | 2.5 ha |
| Florence Peterson Park | Parks | 0.7 ha |
| Alexander Falls Recreation Site | Parks | 6.1 ha |
| Cal-cheak Recreation Site | Parks | 44.2 ha |
| Millar's Pond Park | Parks | 0.5 ha |
| Village Park West | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Village Park | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Village Park | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Spruce Park | Parks | 9.3 ha |
| Snowflake Park | Parks | 1.0 ha |
| Rebagliati Park | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| White Gold Park | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Inukshuk Park | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Boulder Park | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Balsam Park | Parks | 0.3 ha |
| Bottomless Pond Park | Parks | 0.9 ha |
| Eva Lake Park | Parks | 0.5 ha |
| Taluswood Park | Parks | 0.7 ha |
| Marmot Park | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Whistler Interpretive Forest | Nature Reserves | 2,850.3 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Townships to Whistler
- Squamish 48.8 km · 23,819 people
- West Vancouver 88.6 km · 44,122 people
- North Vancouver 89.0 km · 88,168 people
- Sechelt 92.3 km · 10,847 people
- Lillooet 96.7 km · 2,302 people
- Mission 117.0 km · 41,519 people
- Kent 122.2 km · 6,300 people
- Lantzville 125.6 km · 3,817 people
Frequently Asked Questions about Whistler
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Whistler has a population of 13,982 people, making it the 43rd township in British Columbia. The population increased significantly from 11,746 in 2016, an increase of 2,236 people or 19.04%. The township has a population density of 58.3 people per km² across a land area of 240.00 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Whistler's population grew by 19.04% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 11,746 to 13,982 people, a gain of 2,236 residents. This growth is above average compared to many other British Columbia townships during this period. The median age of 35.60 years suggests a relatively balanced demographic profile. Official 2026 Census data, which will confirm whether this trend continued, is expected from Statistics Canada in February 2027.
Whistler has a population density of approximately 58.30 people per square kilometre.
Whistler covers a land area of approximately 240.00 km².
The median age of the population in Whistler is 35.60 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Whistler is English.
The median household income in Whistler is $99,000, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Whistler.
Christian is the predominant religion in Whistler.
According to the 2021 Census, 1.1% of Whistler's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
77.7% of Whistler's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 8.6% of census families in Whistler, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 0.4% of all households in Whistler, per the 2021 Census.
15.8% of Whistler's population knows both English and French, based on 2021 Census data on knowledge of official languages.
Of the population aged 15 and over in Whistler, 30.2% worked full year full time in the 2021 Census reference year.
Statistics Canada (statcan.gc.ca) conducted the 2026 Census of Population in May 2026. However, census data goes through an extensive processing, validation, and quality-assurance period before public release. Based on the release plan, the 2026 Census results begin rolling out on February 10, 2027, with complete community-level profiles available by December 1, 2027. Until then, this page uses 2021 Census data as its primary source, supplemented by a population projection estimate for 2026 calculated using the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from the 2016–2021 Census period.